Flashcards for BME295 Cell Biology Lecture on CRISPR-Cas9

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts discussed in the lecture on CRISPR-Cas9 and related cell biology topics.

CRISPR

A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with Cas proteins, providing adaptive immunity in bacteria.

Cas9

A CRISPR-associated protein that acts as an RNA-guided endonuclease to cut DNA.

Dual-RNA-guided system

The mechanism where both crRNA and tracrRNA are used to direct Cas9 to target DNA.

Peer review process

A confidential evaluation of manuscripts by experts to ensure quality and rigor before publication.

PAM (protospacer adjacent motif)

A short DNA sequence required for Cas9 to bind and cleave target DNA.

crRNA

CRISPR RNA which guides the Cas9 protein to the specific DNA target.

tracrRNA (trans-activating CRISPR RNA)

A RNA molecule that helps in processing pre-crRNA and activating Cas9.

Genome editing

A technique that allows scientists to modify an organism's DNA.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020

Award given to Charpentier and Doudna for their work in developing CRISPR-Cas9.

Agarose gel electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments by size using an electrical field.

Single-guide RNA (sgRNA)

An engineered RNA molecule combining crRNA and tracrRNA to simplify the CRISPR-Cas9 system.

Scientific impact factor

A measure reflecting the yearly average number of citations to recent articles published in a journal.

Adaptive immunity

The immunity that evolves in response to previous infections by creating a genetic memory.

Endonuclease

An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific internal sites.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

RuvC-like domain

Part of Cas9 that cuts the non-complementary DNA strand.

HNH domain

Part of Cas9 that cuts the complementary DNA strand.

CRISPR array

A sequence of genetic material in bacteria that stores viral DNA fragments for future defense.

Engineering T cells

The process of modifying T cells to enhance their function, especially in cancer therapy.

CAR-T therapy

A cancer treatment that modifies T cells to better attack cancer cells.

Inhibitory receptors

Molecules on T cells that can restrict their activity; examples include PD-1 and CTLA-4.

Universal CAR-T cells

Modified T cells that can be used from healthy donors without rejection.

Chimeric RNA

A single RNA molecule that combines features of crRNA and tracrRNA.

Method validation

The process of proving that a technique effectively measures what it intends to.

Scientific figures

Visual representations of data in a study that enhance understanding.

Visibility of research

The extent to which findings are presented to and recognized by the scientific community.

Clarity in scientific communication

The ease by which scientific concepts can be understood by the intended audience.

Data presentation

The method of delivering data in a way that is comprehensible and informative.

Editing gene sequences

The alteration of specific nucleotide sequences in DNA.

Legacy of CRISPR-Cas9

The ongoing impact and influences of CRISPR-Cas9 beyond its initial development.

Precision in genome editing

The accuracy with which DNA sequences can be altered using genetic engineering.

Molecular sieve

A porous material used to separate particles based on size in a gel.

Electric current in electrophoresis

The flow of electricity that causes DNA to move through the gel towards an electrode.

Visualization of DNA

The technique of using stains to make DNA fragments visible after electrophoresis.

Gel electrophoresis assay

A method to test whether DNA was cut by observing band patterns.

Mechanism of Cas9

The process by which Cas9 recognizes and cleaves target DNA.

Markers in gel electrophoresis

Standards used to compare the size of DNA fragments during electrophoresis.

Paper editing process

The steps taken to refine and improve a research manuscript before submission.

Publication standards

Criteria that must be met for a research paper to be considered for publication.

Global scientific community

The international collective of researchers and scientists sharing knowledge and advancements.

CRISPR technology applications

Various uses of CRISPR for genomic alterations in research, medicine, and agriculture.

RNA-guided mechanisms

Processes driven by RNA interactions that guide better precision in biochemical functions.

Integrated CRISPR systems

Systems combining various elements of CRISPR technology for enhanced application.

Target recognition in DNA

The process by which proteins identify specific sequences in DNA.

Evaluation of manuscripts

The assessment of written research works to determine their suitability for publication.

Biological innovation

The new methods and discoveries emerging from the application of biological science.

Sequence-specific immunity

An immune defense mechanism that targets specific sequences of invading genetic material.

Gene expression alteration

The process of changing the levels or patterns of how genes are expressed in cells.

Transcription in genetics

The process through which DNA is transcribed to produce RNA.

Evolution of adaptive immune systems

The development and refinement of immune mechanisms in response to environmental pressures.

Biological research ethics

Moral principles guiding research practices in biology, including transparency and honesty.

Multi-Cas protein complexes

Groups of Cas proteins that work together to process RNA and recognize target DNA.

Methodological rigor

The strict adherence to protocols to ensure reproducibility and accuracy in research.

Breakthrough in gene editing

A significant advance that enhances the capabilities of modifying genetic material.

Recognition of women in science

The acknowledgment of women's contributions and achievements in scientific fields.

New discussions in gene editing ethics

Emerging debates surrounding the moral implications of modifying genes.

Precision medicine

An approach tailored to individual patients based on their genetic makeup.

Immune evasion strategies in cancer

Techniques used by tumors to avoid detection and destruction by the immune system.

Agarose gel characteristics

Properties of agarose gel that affect how DNA separates by size during electrophoresis.

Impact of CRISPR on research

The effect of CRISPR technology on advancing various fields of biological study.

Genome-wide analysis

Comprehensive examination of genetic material across entire genomes.

Antigen recognition in T cells

The process through which T cells identify foreign molecules as targets for destruction.

Synthetic biology

An interdisciplinary branch that combines biology with engineering principles.

Cellular responses to DNA damage

The ways in which cells detect and repair damage in their DNA.

Scientific journal selection

The criteria for choosing a journal to publish research findings.

Visual representation of data

Graphs and charts that display experimental results in a clear manner.

Molecular biology techniques

Laboratory methods used to study the interactions and functions of various biomolecules.

Innovations in cancer therapy

New and improved treatments developed to combat cancer effectively.

Response to viral infections

The immune processes that occur when cells are invaded by viruses.